Getaria - municipality in Basque Country, Spain

Getaria is a small fishing town in Guipuzcoa, on the coast between Zarauz to the east and Zumaia to the west. The town is dominated by a rocky promontory, nicknamed El Raton, or mouse. It has an attractive harbour, an interesting church and several restaurants and bars serving excellent fish and seafood.

Understand

Getaria has a population of about 2,800 people (2018).

It is the birthplace of Juan Sebastian Elcano, who was the first western person to circumnavigate the globe, completing the journey begun by Magellan.

The municipality of Getaria occupies a section of the central coast of Gipuzkoa in the Cantabrian Sea. This section of the coast consists of a steep ledge on which a series of coves and points have formed through erosion.

The historic centre of Getaria is located just between the mainland and the mountain San Antón, also called the mouse of Getaria due to its mouse-like shape. This mountain that characterizes the town, was an island until the 16th century.

In the interior part of the township, the mountain Garate (278 m) is located. This mountain runs parallel to the coast, and in its smooth skirts lie several farms belonging to the township of Getaria. These farms are typical of the Basque Country and they are called baserri.

Nearly all the land between the mountain Garate and the coast is covered in vineyards due to the microclimate that this area generates.

Get in

By car

Getaria lies on the N634 coast road between Zumaia and Zarautz. There are two fee-paying car parks: one on the western approach from Zumaia, the other close to the fishing port on the Calle de Portua. Both are free after 20:00. A free car park can be reached by turning first left on entering the town centre, and following Calle de Sahatsaga uphill.

Get around

See

• Cristobal Balenciaga Museum

Do

Buy

Eat

Getaria is famous for its restaurants serving grilled fish.

• Mayflower Restaurant, c/Katrapona 4, +34 94 314 0658. Fresh grilled fish and a fine harbour view from the terrace. Ideally washed down with a glass of the local Txakoli wine. Booking advised at weekends.

Drink

Getaria is famous for a white wine with a protected designation of origin which is cultivated in the surroundings of this coastal town called "Getariako Txakolina".

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